[Sparks]

From one Sara Joy (post) to another...
My name is also Sarah Joy and I would agree with the previous posts. I feel that I am a combination of many of the experiences already posted.
I am an transracially adopted African-American person who grew up in a small rural New England community. My parents educated all of their children (biological and adopted) about the importance of loving oneself and instilled confidence as well as pride into each of us. That included racial pride. Yes, there were challenges I faced, and I was one of three AA in my high school, but I also feel stronger from that journey.
My husband I are are now prospective adoptive parents and I can't wait to carry on the legacy of adoption in our family. We are an interracial couple who plan to adopt a biracial infant. We discussed our adoption plan with our families and knew from the beginning that we needed (and fortunately had ) a wonderful support system through which to raise our children. It sounds as if others, have created a space for/in their our supportive community and I encourage you to do the same before your baby comes home. That doesnt mean that you simply/only need to seek out the other minorities in your community, but find those people who will support you in general (whether it be for a racial, gender, adoption, general developmental or parent issue). I hope you have or may find these people around you. Also don't forget about (edited to add the word "extended") family! Some of my strongest supporters are right in my own family.
You have some sound advice already posted here...and asking the question already means you are that much closer to some answers.
With hope and support,
Sarah Joy

[redhedded]

Sarah Joy, I have never posted here but lurked today. Thank you for your eloquent and honest account of your experience as a transracial adoptee. Best of luck on your own adoption journey.

[bichonlover]

Hello! My wife and I adopted a beautiful bi-racial boy at 2 days old (back in 09/2001). He's the joy of our life and thank God daily for getting him. He's AA/White and has a beautifu skin color. People always surprise us by saying that he's too beautiful to be a boy, especially with that skin color.
Our families quickly fell in love with him and now argue over who he loves more. I have to keep reminding them that he's a "daddy's boy", but they never listen. At first, they we're a little sceptical, but that quickly changed. We always took the attitude that he's our son and if they couldn't accept him, they didn't need to see him or us. I'm sure, because of the cruelty of some adults and children, we will encounter ignorant people who will make rude comments, but we love him for who he is and his skin color doesn't matter. If you email for some companies who make products for bi-racial children.

-toddf

[34andhopeful]

My Dh and I are a transtracial couple (AA/CC) and we adopted an AA baby boy - beautiful as can be. However, my HUSBAND gets stares when ever we go out in oublic. Most people assume that I had him b4 I met my husband... I know that this bugs mt husband and I know that I should ignore these comments, buts its pretty hard. Someone even commented when my husband was ching him in the restoom...